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By Francisco Salazar
Nothing like pre-fight fisticuffs to draw more interest in a fight.
That might be expected with an opportunity at a world title belt on the line.
David Benavidez has no shortage of HUGE fights on his radar. In an exclusive interview with BoxingScene, Jose Benavidez Sr. makes it clear that David still wants the biggest names at 175lbs including Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. Benavidez has previously said those are two fights he wants to make as he pursues more titles and major challenges. But there’s another name that could make things very interesting: Andy Ruiz Jr. Jose discusses the possibility of an all-Mexican showdown between Benavidez and the former heavyweight champion, along with David’s plans across multiple divisions. And with a potential Jai Opetaia showdown also building after the pair came face-to-face following Opetaia’s latest victory, Benavidez has some massive options ahead.
Marco Periban and Avni Yildirim will square off in a 12 round bout tonight at the Teatro Palcco in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.
Both fighters went at one another at Friday's weigh-in, throwing punches before having to be separated by their respective teams.
If the action at the weigh-in is indicative of why will happen inside the ring, boxing fans could be in for a treat Saturday night.
Periban (25-3-1, 16 KOs) has faced the better opposition, losing to the top fighters at 168 pounds. Periban' most recent defeats were to James DeGale and J'Leon Love, but does have a draw against Badou Jack.
Since the DeGale fight in November of 2014, Periban, who resides in Mexico City, has won his last five bouts.
Periban has not fought since May 14, when he won an eight round majority decision over previously-unbeaten German Rafael.
Yildirim (15-0, with 10 KOs) has fought mostly in Germany and his native Turkey. In his last bout on February 18, the 25-year-old Yildirim knocked out Aliaksandr Sushchyts in the opening round.
In his previous bout on November 5, Yildirim stopped Schiller Hyppolite in the third round. In his sixth pro bout, Yildirim did win a 10 round unanimous decision over a faded Glen Johnson.
In the other featured bout on The Promociones del Pueblo card, Jessica Chavez (28-4-3, with 4 KOs) will defend her WBC World female flyweight title against Ana Arrazola (26-11-3, with 13 KOs) in a 10 round bout.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper, RingTV, and Knockout Nation.
